coprime_writes (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
coprime_writes) wrote2021-06-01 08:35 pm
coprime_writes) wrote2021-06-01 08:35 pm
Entry tags:
My Next Life As a Villainess: All I Have To Bring Today (Catarina/Sophia)
Title: All I Have To Bring Today
Author:coprime
Fandom: My Next Life As a Villainess anime
Pairing: Catarina/Sophia
Rating / Word Count: PG-13 / 3,738 words
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: My Next Life As a Villainess belongs to Satoru Yamaguchi, Nami Hidaka, Silver Link, and Crunchyroll.
Summary: Catarina and Sophia had been discussing the latest in the Devilish Count series, and Sophia had mentioned how romantic the surprise picnic the count had planned for his lover was and how she wished for someone to surprise her like that.
"What about you, Catarina? Have you ever wished for someone to sweep you off your feet?" Sophia had asked.
Notes: Originally written for Yuletide 2020 for![[archiveofourown.org profile]](https://p2.dreamwidth.org/b164c54b26e4/-/archiveofourown.org/favicon.ico)
2point9recurring. The poem quoted is "It's all I have to bring today" by Emily Dickinson.
~All I Have To Bring Today~
Catarina Claes was many things, but she wasn't dumb. She might take longer to put things together or figure things out than her friends, but she got there eventually. Look at her grades! Sure she wasn't top of her class like some of her friends, but she wasn't at the bottom either. And she wasn't uninterested in romance exactly, but when you suddenly find yourself eight years old again and facing certain doom, you might understandably put the idea of romance to the side to consider at a later date and then...maybe forget to put it un-aside.
But she and Sophia had been discussing the latest in the Devilish Count series, and Sophia had mentioned how romantic the surprise picnic the count had planned for his lover was and how she wished for someone to surprise her like that.
"What about you, Catarina? Have you ever wished for someone to sweep you off your feet?" Sophia had asked.
At the time, she'd replied, "Oh, who has time for romance, I have to avoid all my doom flags first." But now, late at night as she tried to fall asleep, she realized that wasn't true anymore. She'd avoided her doom flags. Her mother's ire, while nothing to scoff at, wasn't a doom flag despite the aura that emanated from her when she found Catarina doing something unladylike. She wasn't eight anymore. There wasn't any reason she couldn't have a romantic...someone. Like the devilishly handsome count and his lady lover.
With a changed mindset, she found herself blushing at thoughts of what the count got up to in the latest book. When he rescued his lady love from the dastardly villain by pulling her to his side and she clung to him as he climbed down the rope leading to their freedom, only pausing briefly at the bottom of the wall to pluck a daisy and tuck it behind his love's ear before they joined hands and ran away together into the night? Oh.
She shivered.
The thought of Sophia clinging to her like that, the silky feel of her hair as she brushed it back to place the flower…. Would she look up at Catarina, a pink tinge gracing her cheeks, or would she reach up to grab Catarina's hand before Catarina could withdraw it and lace their fingers together? Either way, Catarina's name would sound so sweet falling from her lips.
Ohhh. Catarina supposed that answered some things.
The next day, Catarina had a plan. She was good at plans; look at how well she'd done avoiding her doom flags. And this one was simple! Sophia had told her yesterday that she wanted to be swept off her feet with a romantic picnic, so that's what Catarina would do. She even already knew the perfect place to have a picnic. There was a lovely little meadow hidden amongst the trees on school grounds that she'd come across last week. And today, there was no school, so she had all day to put her plan into action.
~
~
Step one was her clothes. She wanted to wear something special. She'd originally picked out a flashy dress, covered in small beads from collar to skirt hem. It had been heavy, yes, but she'd been prepared to do what needed to be done if she wanted to look amazing. Thankfully, Anne intervened, convincing her to go with one of her more casual dresses.
"It matches your eyes beautifully," Anne said, holding up one of her simpler blue dresses, the one with flowers embroidered along the hems. "And if you're going to be spending time outdoors, you should wear something that can stand up to a bit of dirt."
"But...look at the way this one sparkles!" Catarina protested. She gave a twirl to show off all the colors on it, staggering a bit when she tried to come to a stop.
Anne lowered her hand. "Yes, it does do that. Lady Catarina, may I ask why you want to wear such a dress today?"
Catarina blushed. "I want to impress someone important to me, and this is the most impressive thing I own." Catarina frowned down at the voluminous skirt. "But it's too much, isn't it?"
"You are most impressive when you're being yourself, my lady. If you would like to look a little different for your special occasion, I could braid your hair instead today."
Catarina groaned. Braiding always took so long and she had to sit so still for it. But Anne was probably right—she generally was when she offered her opinion—and Anne could plait some of the most intricate braids when given a chance, so Catarina changed into the dress Anne handed her and sat down.
When finished, she had a braided crown atop her head with the rest of her hair falling down her back in a fishtail braid. Anne had woven a silk green ribbon into all the braids.
Catarina gasped. It was just like how the princess wore hers in Sophia and the Emerald Princess, when Sophia learned that her friend was actually the princess because she recognized the emerald ribbon she'd gifted her friend as the ribbon in the princess's hair.
"Thank you, Anne, this is perfect! Now for step two!"
Catarina was in luck; she found Nicol almost immediately, studying in a little used room.
"Master Nicol," she said, "would you be able to do me a favor?"
Nicol marked his place and put his book aside. He turned his full attention to her. Catarina felt herself getting flustered under the weight of his gaze, like she always did, but no. She had something important to ask him, and she wouldn't be distracted.
"I want to treat Lady Sophia to a special picnic like the one in the most recent Devilish Count novel, but it will take me time to prepare everything. Could you keep her distracted today for me until I'm ready? And then let her know where to meet me when it's time?"
"A special picnic...just for Sophia?"
Catarina flushed under his scrutiny. It felt like he could see her hopes laid bare. "Yes. All my friends are precious to me, but Sophia I now realize is especially dear to me. I know how beloved she is to you, and I promise to treasure her like you do."
Nicol smiled then. Not that most people would notice, but it was enough for Catarina to see the difference for once, so it was a blinding smile for him.
"A scene from her favorite series? Sophia will certainly enjoy it."
Catarina clasped her hands to her chest and sighed dreamily. "Oh, Nicol, it was so romantic! You don't know how many forces have been keeping the count and his love apart, and then when they finally do get a moment together, it's so perfectly sweet and perfectly them. Thank you so much for doing this."
Nicol nodded. "Of course. My sister's happiness means everything to me."
Catarina confirmed the time and location with him and then made her way to the library. She located the poetry section in short order, gathering a half dozen books and settling at a table. After flipping through two of the books, she laid her head down and groaned.
"This is impossible," she moaned. "I'll never find a good love poem at this rate."
A voice from behind her said, "Oh, love poetry? Maybe I can help."
Catarina bolted upright. "Prince Geordo!"
Geordo grinned. "I promise I'd enjoy any poem you read to me."
Catarina bit her lip. While Geordo didn't really want to be engaged to Catarina in Fortune Lover, he'd rejected all her offers to break off their engagement so far. Which was fine while neither of them knew whom they loved, but it would be uncouth to continue the engagement now.
"Catarina?" he asked. "Is something the matter?"
It'd be best to get to the point, even if she had to spell out some truths to Geordo. She knew whom he must have feelings for since he wasn't interested in Maria, and if she pointed them out, maybe he'd finally agree to break the engagement.
"Prince Geordo," she declared, "I know you love my brother, Keith, and now that I know I love someone else too, you must agree that we can no longer be betrothed!"
Geordo slipped from where he'd been leaning against the table. "Keith!? Lady Catarina, I don't know where you got that impression, but Keith is not the person I lo—"
Catarina took a deep breath. Geordo couldn't see what was incredibly obvious to her. She pointed her finger at him.
"You and Keith have been good friends for years. Plus, every time I spend time with one of you, the other manages to find a way to come along. And! You're always trying to pull his attention away from me onto you. It makes sense."
"I don't act like that because of Keith."
Catarina lowered her finger.
"But Prince Geordo," she said, "when Keith's around you show more of your true emotions. You're less Prince Geordo, third in line for the throne, and more regular Geordo, my friend, in his presence. Isn't it important to be with someone who brings out who you truly are? I don't think that's me."
Geordo gaped at her.
Time for her to land the finishing blow. Catarina bowed.
"It's not fair to either of us to keep this up, so even though this isn't the proper way to do things, I'm ending this betrothal today. I wish you and my brother happiness."
As she straightened, she grabbed the slimmest volume from her pile of poetry books then exited the library. She flipped it open at random and read. This one would be perfect. Catarina smiled to herself as she made her way to her vegetable garden. Everything up till now had gone so well, surely the last step would be simple as well. She just had to gather some vegetables from her farm and then create a tasty dish with them.
Catarina realized her mistake as she gazed down at a counter full of raw vegetables with no idea what she should do with them. She could manage a salad, she knew how to wash and chop, but a salad didn't seem that enticing for what she was trying to do.
She was still frowning down at her vegetables when Maria and Mary walked into the kitchens together.
"Lady Catarina!" they exclaimed together.
"What are you doing?" Mary asked, pushing forward to join Catarina at her side.
"I haven't seen you in the kitchens before," Maria added, standing on her other side. "At least, not making something yourself."
"I'm trying to make a special meal, but I can't figure out what I can make," Catarina said.
Concentrating on her vegetables, Catarina missed the look on Mary and Maria's faces.
Mary narrowed her eyes. "A special meal? For who?"
"I couldn't say, not before I told them. Do you think a salad's too plain? It's not very filling."
Maria recovered first and peered at what was on the table. "I think you could make a few different sandwiches with a few more ingredients. Since I'm down here so often baking, I know what's available." She smiled weakly at Catarina. "Let me gather some things, and then I can show you my ideas."
Catarina brightened. Maria's sweets were always delicious, so her non-sweets must be delicious as well. Catarina turned to Mary, but before she could ask Mary if she had any suggestions, Mary asked, "Is that why your hair is so different today?"
Catarina reached up to her hair and smiled. "Yes. Anne did a lovely job, don't you think?"
Mary looked...Mary looked upset, Catarina thought.
"Mary? Is something the matter? Can I do anything to help?"
At Catarina's words, Mary's frown deepened. Just then, Maria returned, arms laden with various foodstuffs. She laid her goods next to Catarina's vegetables but kept her face pointed down. Catarina leaned over. Was Maria upset too? Oh no, she was. She looked exactly like she did in Fortune Lover when she reached her bad ending and her love interest rejected her.
This would not stand. Mary and Maria were her friends.
"Please tell me what's the matter," Catarina pled. "You're my friends, both of you, and I would help if there's anything I can do."
"Do you really have romantic feelings for someone? You've never noticed that sort of thing before," Mary said.
Catarina blinked. What did that have to do with anything. "What's that got to do with anything?" she asked.
"I cannot speak for Mary," Maria said, "but seeing someone succeed where you have failed can hurt, even if you care about that someone."
Did that mean Maria—and Mary—loved someone who didn't love them in return? But who would reject either of them? Only the most dastardly of curs. Any person would be lucky to have earned their love! Catarina decided; she had to help her friends before she met with Sophia. She swept both of them into a tight hug.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you had someone you felt like that for. If I'd known, I wouldn't have asked either of you for help. You've always been so evasive when I've asked about that sort of thing before...."
"It's all right, Catarina," Maria said. "Perhaps I should have been more direct with my feelings."
Mary huffed a laugh.
Catarina thought she heard Mary mutter, "It would have been hard to be more direct," but that couldn't be correct.
Catarina gave her friends one last squeeze before letting them go.
"Well, if someone doesn't recognize how amazing either of you are, then it's their loss."
"It may be her loss, but it's still mine as well," Mary said. "Especially after I've tried so hard to get her to notice me. It's not fair."
This wouldn't do; there had to be some way she could help. Catarina tapped her lip in thought.
"It may not be fair," Maria said, "but it is what it is, and we can only step back graciously at this point."
Some way to help....
"And being gracious means I can't be upset either?"
Some way....
"I didn't say that—"
Catarina thumped her fist in her palm. "I've got it! You should go on a date with each other!"
Both Maria and Mary stared at Catarina in confusion.
"A date?" "Why should we go on a date together?"
"You both deserve a date with someone who cares for you, instead of someone who'd stomp all over your tender feelings." Catarina was warming up to the idea more as she thought about it. "It doesn't have to be anything serious, just something as friends, but you can do something fun together and take your mind off things. And maybe things won't be as upsetting afterwards. Plus, if it's just the two of you, it's okay if one of you gets sad because you won't have to explain why. Please tell me you'll do something fun together today. I can give you directions to all the best trees to climb if you'd like."
Mary giggled softly, "If it means that much to you, Catarina." She turned to Maria and curtsied low, offering Maria her arm when she straightened. "Shall we see what trouble we can get into between us?"
Maria took the proffered arm and linked it in hers. She gave Mary a small smile. "So we shall."
They left the kitchens, and Catarina smiled to herself, pleased with helping her friends forget their romantic woes. Then she looked down and saw the piles of vegetables and other foodstuffs. She groaned; she still had no idea what to do with all of that.
One of the kitchen staff, carrying a woven basket with a blanket draped over the top, walked up to her.
"Miss Anne asked if we could prepare a meal for you, Lady Catarina."
Oh, Anne was once again a lifesaver! Catarina took the basket; it smelled delicious.
"Thank you so much," she said. She lifted one corner of the blanket and peeked at the basket's contents. "This is perfect. I really appreciate your help." She glanced down at the uninviting pile of food she didn't know how to cook. "Let me just clean this up first—"
"Please, Lady Catarina," the worker interrupted, "I'll take care of that. Enjoy the rest of the day."
"Thank you again! I hope you enjoy your day as well!"
Thus, basket and blanket in hand, Catarina left the kitchens and made her way to the meadow. She'd shown it to all her friends when she'd found it, so Sophia should be able to find it again on her own. She was cutting it close to the time she'd told Nicol, but she wasn't late yet!
Catarina ducked under a branch, humming to herself as she entered the clearing. She looked up from grabbing the blanket and startled. Sophia was already there!
"You're early!" Catarina exclaimed.
"Oh." Sophia glanced away, combing her hair in nervousness. "Nicol wouldn't tell me anything, so I didn't realize that'd be bad."
Catarina waved her unladen hand in front of her. "It's not! I just wanted to surprise you, and now I can't."
Sophia peered at the items Catarina was carrying with curiosity. "I could turn my back, if you'd like. Could you do what you wanted then?"
"Yes, that'd be perfect, thank you."
Sophia suited actions to words, watching into the woods at the edge of the clearing. Catarina quickly laid out the blanket and food. She retrieved the slim poetry book and settled down onto the blanket, opening the book to the page she'd marked. She took a moment to study the back of her friend. Sophia was truly beautiful. Sofia had been the first person she'd wanted to befriend in this world irregardless of any doom flags, and her affection for Sophia had only grown since then.
Would Sophia let her braid her hair? Catarina had made a mess of her own hair the few times she'd tried, but she wanted to make the effort with Sophia's. She already knew how silky Sophia's hair was, but how would it feel twined amongst her fingers? Would it brush against her skin if they...kissed?
"Catarina?" Sophia asked.
Oh! She'd been lost in daydreams. Catarina cleared her throat. She'd read this scene so many times, she had the Count's speech memorized, and she was sure Sophia did as well.
She quoted, "My dearest, great forces oppose us, but I can only hope this moment of solace provides a balm for your soul like you provide mine every time I am in your presence. I would give you the world if I could, and I can but hope you will give me the chance to do so."
Sophia turned around halfway through with a gasp, tears forming in her eyes and a wide smile on her face.
"The only world I would ask for is one where I can be by your side," Sophia replied.
Catarina mirrored Sophia's smile. "Then, a poem for the occasion," she continued.
"It's all I have to bring today—
This, and my heart beside—
This, and my heart, and all the fields—
And all the meadows wide—
Be Sure you count—should I forget
Some one the sum could tell—
This, and my heart, and all the Bees
Which in the Clover dwell."
Catarina only had time to close the book before Sophia threw herself at Catarina, hugging her and burying her face in Catarina's neck. Catarina could feel Sophia's hair tickling her jaw and blushed.
"Are you saying...what I think you're saying?" Sophia whispered.
"Uh-huh." Catarina felt stupefied by the lapful of Sophia she found herself with. Could she—? She hesitated then returned Sophia's hug, letting her hands rest on Sophia's delicate waist. "Do you feel the same?"
Sophia nodded. "But why did you change the poem?" she asked, settling herself more comfortably against Catarina.
"I wanted something that reflected me and this moment. The original one is a little..." Catarina trailed off.
Sophia giggled. "Yes, it is a little bloodthirsty. The devilish count never does anything by half measures."
"But the count sounds so impassioned as he details how he'll slay their enemies."
"He does. You were very impassioned yourself though."
Catarina's stomach gurgled. She'd been so busy all day, she'd forgotten to eat, and even with Sophia at her side, it was difficult to ignore the delectable spread of things the school cooks had put together.
"Are you hungry? The cooks have outdone themselves today. I can't wait to try everything." Catarina said.
Catarina reached for a plate of sandwiches to pull towards her, but Sophia stilled her hand. Catarina looked down at her in confusion.
"I would like to try something else first. May I?"
"Of course, anything." Catarina didn't know what Sophia was referring to, but her answer was the same regardless.
Sophia stretched up and raised one hand to cradle Catarina's head. She leaned in, and oh, Catarina knew what Sophia wanted. She leaned in the rest of the way, their lips meeting in an exquisite press.
When they parted, Sophia sighed, and Catarina couldn't resist. She captured Sophia's mouth again. Sophia straddled Catarina, pressing their bodies together, and her enthusiasm ignited Catarina's. They continued until Catarina's stomach made itself known again, and Sophia leaned back, breaking their kiss.
Sophia's face was flushed and she was breathing heavily, her hair ribbons slipping from their delicate bows, and Catarina wanted nothing more than to see Sophia like this every day. She unconsciously leaned forward, but Sophia stopped her with a hand on her chest.
"We should eat first," she said. "it'd be a shame for this food to go to waste."
Catarina closed her eyes and nodded. If she couldn't see Sophia, she couldn't be distracted by her. And she was hungry. When she opened her eyes again, Sophia had moved away so that only the hem of her dress touched Catarina. She held a finger sandwich out, and Catarina leaned forward to take a bite.
Yes, it tasted as good as it looked, even if it wasn't a dessert, and Catarina chose one of the sandwiches to feed to Sophia. They'd eat now, and there would be time for everything else after.
Author:
coprimeFandom: My Next Life As a Villainess anime
Pairing: Catarina/Sophia
Rating / Word Count: PG-13 / 3,738 words
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: My Next Life As a Villainess belongs to Satoru Yamaguchi, Nami Hidaka, Silver Link, and Crunchyroll.
Summary: Catarina and Sophia had been discussing the latest in the Devilish Count series, and Sophia had mentioned how romantic the surprise picnic the count had planned for his lover was and how she wished for someone to surprise her like that.
"What about you, Catarina? Have you ever wished for someone to sweep you off your feet?" Sophia had asked.
Notes: Originally written for Yuletide 2020 for
~All I Have To Bring Today~
Catarina Claes was many things, but she wasn't dumb. She might take longer to put things together or figure things out than her friends, but she got there eventually. Look at her grades! Sure she wasn't top of her class like some of her friends, but she wasn't at the bottom either. And she wasn't uninterested in romance exactly, but when you suddenly find yourself eight years old again and facing certain doom, you might understandably put the idea of romance to the side to consider at a later date and then...maybe forget to put it un-aside.
But she and Sophia had been discussing the latest in the Devilish Count series, and Sophia had mentioned how romantic the surprise picnic the count had planned for his lover was and how she wished for someone to surprise her like that.
"What about you, Catarina? Have you ever wished for someone to sweep you off your feet?" Sophia had asked.
At the time, she'd replied, "Oh, who has time for romance, I have to avoid all my doom flags first." But now, late at night as she tried to fall asleep, she realized that wasn't true anymore. She'd avoided her doom flags. Her mother's ire, while nothing to scoff at, wasn't a doom flag despite the aura that emanated from her when she found Catarina doing something unladylike. She wasn't eight anymore. There wasn't any reason she couldn't have a romantic...someone. Like the devilishly handsome count and his lady lover.
With a changed mindset, she found herself blushing at thoughts of what the count got up to in the latest book. When he rescued his lady love from the dastardly villain by pulling her to his side and she clung to him as he climbed down the rope leading to their freedom, only pausing briefly at the bottom of the wall to pluck a daisy and tuck it behind his love's ear before they joined hands and ran away together into the night? Oh.
She shivered.
The thought of Sophia clinging to her like that, the silky feel of her hair as she brushed it back to place the flower…. Would she look up at Catarina, a pink tinge gracing her cheeks, or would she reach up to grab Catarina's hand before Catarina could withdraw it and lace their fingers together? Either way, Catarina's name would sound so sweet falling from her lips.
Ohhh. Catarina supposed that answered some things.
The next day, Catarina had a plan. She was good at plans; look at how well she'd done avoiding her doom flags. And this one was simple! Sophia had told her yesterday that she wanted to be swept off her feet with a romantic picnic, so that's what Catarina would do. She even already knew the perfect place to have a picnic. There was a lovely little meadow hidden amongst the trees on school grounds that she'd come across last week. And today, there was no school, so she had all day to put her plan into action.
Step one was her clothes. She wanted to wear something special. She'd originally picked out a flashy dress, covered in small beads from collar to skirt hem. It had been heavy, yes, but she'd been prepared to do what needed to be done if she wanted to look amazing. Thankfully, Anne intervened, convincing her to go with one of her more casual dresses.
"It matches your eyes beautifully," Anne said, holding up one of her simpler blue dresses, the one with flowers embroidered along the hems. "And if you're going to be spending time outdoors, you should wear something that can stand up to a bit of dirt."
"But...look at the way this one sparkles!" Catarina protested. She gave a twirl to show off all the colors on it, staggering a bit when she tried to come to a stop.
Anne lowered her hand. "Yes, it does do that. Lady Catarina, may I ask why you want to wear such a dress today?"
Catarina blushed. "I want to impress someone important to me, and this is the most impressive thing I own." Catarina frowned down at the voluminous skirt. "But it's too much, isn't it?"
"You are most impressive when you're being yourself, my lady. If you would like to look a little different for your special occasion, I could braid your hair instead today."
Catarina groaned. Braiding always took so long and she had to sit so still for it. But Anne was probably right—she generally was when she offered her opinion—and Anne could plait some of the most intricate braids when given a chance, so Catarina changed into the dress Anne handed her and sat down.
When finished, she had a braided crown atop her head with the rest of her hair falling down her back in a fishtail braid. Anne had woven a silk green ribbon into all the braids.
Catarina gasped. It was just like how the princess wore hers in Sophia and the Emerald Princess, when Sophia learned that her friend was actually the princess because she recognized the emerald ribbon she'd gifted her friend as the ribbon in the princess's hair.
"Thank you, Anne, this is perfect! Now for step two!"
Catarina was in luck; she found Nicol almost immediately, studying in a little used room.
"Master Nicol," she said, "would you be able to do me a favor?"
Nicol marked his place and put his book aside. He turned his full attention to her. Catarina felt herself getting flustered under the weight of his gaze, like she always did, but no. She had something important to ask him, and she wouldn't be distracted.
"I want to treat Lady Sophia to a special picnic like the one in the most recent Devilish Count novel, but it will take me time to prepare everything. Could you keep her distracted today for me until I'm ready? And then let her know where to meet me when it's time?"
"A special picnic...just for Sophia?"
Catarina flushed under his scrutiny. It felt like he could see her hopes laid bare. "Yes. All my friends are precious to me, but Sophia I now realize is especially dear to me. I know how beloved she is to you, and I promise to treasure her like you do."
Nicol smiled then. Not that most people would notice, but it was enough for Catarina to see the difference for once, so it was a blinding smile for him.
"A scene from her favorite series? Sophia will certainly enjoy it."
Catarina clasped her hands to her chest and sighed dreamily. "Oh, Nicol, it was so romantic! You don't know how many forces have been keeping the count and his love apart, and then when they finally do get a moment together, it's so perfectly sweet and perfectly them. Thank you so much for doing this."
Nicol nodded. "Of course. My sister's happiness means everything to me."
Catarina confirmed the time and location with him and then made her way to the library. She located the poetry section in short order, gathering a half dozen books and settling at a table. After flipping through two of the books, she laid her head down and groaned.
"This is impossible," she moaned. "I'll never find a good love poem at this rate."
A voice from behind her said, "Oh, love poetry? Maybe I can help."
Catarina bolted upright. "Prince Geordo!"
Geordo grinned. "I promise I'd enjoy any poem you read to me."
Catarina bit her lip. While Geordo didn't really want to be engaged to Catarina in Fortune Lover, he'd rejected all her offers to break off their engagement so far. Which was fine while neither of them knew whom they loved, but it would be uncouth to continue the engagement now.
"Catarina?" he asked. "Is something the matter?"
It'd be best to get to the point, even if she had to spell out some truths to Geordo. She knew whom he must have feelings for since he wasn't interested in Maria, and if she pointed them out, maybe he'd finally agree to break the engagement.
"Prince Geordo," she declared, "I know you love my brother, Keith, and now that I know I love someone else too, you must agree that we can no longer be betrothed!"
Geordo slipped from where he'd been leaning against the table. "Keith!? Lady Catarina, I don't know where you got that impression, but Keith is not the person I lo—"
Catarina took a deep breath. Geordo couldn't see what was incredibly obvious to her. She pointed her finger at him.
"You and Keith have been good friends for years. Plus, every time I spend time with one of you, the other manages to find a way to come along. And! You're always trying to pull his attention away from me onto you. It makes sense."
"I don't act like that because of Keith."
Catarina lowered her finger.
"But Prince Geordo," she said, "when Keith's around you show more of your true emotions. You're less Prince Geordo, third in line for the throne, and more regular Geordo, my friend, in his presence. Isn't it important to be with someone who brings out who you truly are? I don't think that's me."
Geordo gaped at her.
Time for her to land the finishing blow. Catarina bowed.
"It's not fair to either of us to keep this up, so even though this isn't the proper way to do things, I'm ending this betrothal today. I wish you and my brother happiness."
As she straightened, she grabbed the slimmest volume from her pile of poetry books then exited the library. She flipped it open at random and read. This one would be perfect. Catarina smiled to herself as she made her way to her vegetable garden. Everything up till now had gone so well, surely the last step would be simple as well. She just had to gather some vegetables from her farm and then create a tasty dish with them.
Catarina realized her mistake as she gazed down at a counter full of raw vegetables with no idea what she should do with them. She could manage a salad, she knew how to wash and chop, but a salad didn't seem that enticing for what she was trying to do.
She was still frowning down at her vegetables when Maria and Mary walked into the kitchens together.
"Lady Catarina!" they exclaimed together.
"What are you doing?" Mary asked, pushing forward to join Catarina at her side.
"I haven't seen you in the kitchens before," Maria added, standing on her other side. "At least, not making something yourself."
"I'm trying to make a special meal, but I can't figure out what I can make," Catarina said.
Concentrating on her vegetables, Catarina missed the look on Mary and Maria's faces.
Mary narrowed her eyes. "A special meal? For who?"
"I couldn't say, not before I told them. Do you think a salad's too plain? It's not very filling."
Maria recovered first and peered at what was on the table. "I think you could make a few different sandwiches with a few more ingredients. Since I'm down here so often baking, I know what's available." She smiled weakly at Catarina. "Let me gather some things, and then I can show you my ideas."
Catarina brightened. Maria's sweets were always delicious, so her non-sweets must be delicious as well. Catarina turned to Mary, but before she could ask Mary if she had any suggestions, Mary asked, "Is that why your hair is so different today?"
Catarina reached up to her hair and smiled. "Yes. Anne did a lovely job, don't you think?"
Mary looked...Mary looked upset, Catarina thought.
"Mary? Is something the matter? Can I do anything to help?"
At Catarina's words, Mary's frown deepened. Just then, Maria returned, arms laden with various foodstuffs. She laid her goods next to Catarina's vegetables but kept her face pointed down. Catarina leaned over. Was Maria upset too? Oh no, she was. She looked exactly like she did in Fortune Lover when she reached her bad ending and her love interest rejected her.
This would not stand. Mary and Maria were her friends.
"Please tell me what's the matter," Catarina pled. "You're my friends, both of you, and I would help if there's anything I can do."
"Do you really have romantic feelings for someone? You've never noticed that sort of thing before," Mary said.
Catarina blinked. What did that have to do with anything. "What's that got to do with anything?" she asked.
"I cannot speak for Mary," Maria said, "but seeing someone succeed where you have failed can hurt, even if you care about that someone."
Did that mean Maria—and Mary—loved someone who didn't love them in return? But who would reject either of them? Only the most dastardly of curs. Any person would be lucky to have earned their love! Catarina decided; she had to help her friends before she met with Sophia. She swept both of them into a tight hug.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you had someone you felt like that for. If I'd known, I wouldn't have asked either of you for help. You've always been so evasive when I've asked about that sort of thing before...."
"It's all right, Catarina," Maria said. "Perhaps I should have been more direct with my feelings."
Mary huffed a laugh.
Catarina thought she heard Mary mutter, "It would have been hard to be more direct," but that couldn't be correct.
Catarina gave her friends one last squeeze before letting them go.
"Well, if someone doesn't recognize how amazing either of you are, then it's their loss."
"It may be her loss, but it's still mine as well," Mary said. "Especially after I've tried so hard to get her to notice me. It's not fair."
This wouldn't do; there had to be some way she could help. Catarina tapped her lip in thought.
"It may not be fair," Maria said, "but it is what it is, and we can only step back graciously at this point."
Some way to help....
"And being gracious means I can't be upset either?"
Some way....
"I didn't say that—"
Catarina thumped her fist in her palm. "I've got it! You should go on a date with each other!"
Both Maria and Mary stared at Catarina in confusion.
"A date?" "Why should we go on a date together?"
"You both deserve a date with someone who cares for you, instead of someone who'd stomp all over your tender feelings." Catarina was warming up to the idea more as she thought about it. "It doesn't have to be anything serious, just something as friends, but you can do something fun together and take your mind off things. And maybe things won't be as upsetting afterwards. Plus, if it's just the two of you, it's okay if one of you gets sad because you won't have to explain why. Please tell me you'll do something fun together today. I can give you directions to all the best trees to climb if you'd like."
Mary giggled softly, "If it means that much to you, Catarina." She turned to Maria and curtsied low, offering Maria her arm when she straightened. "Shall we see what trouble we can get into between us?"
Maria took the proffered arm and linked it in hers. She gave Mary a small smile. "So we shall."
They left the kitchens, and Catarina smiled to herself, pleased with helping her friends forget their romantic woes. Then she looked down and saw the piles of vegetables and other foodstuffs. She groaned; she still had no idea what to do with all of that.
One of the kitchen staff, carrying a woven basket with a blanket draped over the top, walked up to her.
"Miss Anne asked if we could prepare a meal for you, Lady Catarina."
Oh, Anne was once again a lifesaver! Catarina took the basket; it smelled delicious.
"Thank you so much," she said. She lifted one corner of the blanket and peeked at the basket's contents. "This is perfect. I really appreciate your help." She glanced down at the uninviting pile of food she didn't know how to cook. "Let me just clean this up first—"
"Please, Lady Catarina," the worker interrupted, "I'll take care of that. Enjoy the rest of the day."
"Thank you again! I hope you enjoy your day as well!"
Thus, basket and blanket in hand, Catarina left the kitchens and made her way to the meadow. She'd shown it to all her friends when she'd found it, so Sophia should be able to find it again on her own. She was cutting it close to the time she'd told Nicol, but she wasn't late yet!
Catarina ducked under a branch, humming to herself as she entered the clearing. She looked up from grabbing the blanket and startled. Sophia was already there!
"You're early!" Catarina exclaimed.
"Oh." Sophia glanced away, combing her hair in nervousness. "Nicol wouldn't tell me anything, so I didn't realize that'd be bad."
Catarina waved her unladen hand in front of her. "It's not! I just wanted to surprise you, and now I can't."
Sophia peered at the items Catarina was carrying with curiosity. "I could turn my back, if you'd like. Could you do what you wanted then?"
"Yes, that'd be perfect, thank you."
Sophia suited actions to words, watching into the woods at the edge of the clearing. Catarina quickly laid out the blanket and food. She retrieved the slim poetry book and settled down onto the blanket, opening the book to the page she'd marked. She took a moment to study the back of her friend. Sophia was truly beautiful. Sofia had been the first person she'd wanted to befriend in this world irregardless of any doom flags, and her affection for Sophia had only grown since then.
Would Sophia let her braid her hair? Catarina had made a mess of her own hair the few times she'd tried, but she wanted to make the effort with Sophia's. She already knew how silky Sophia's hair was, but how would it feel twined amongst her fingers? Would it brush against her skin if they...kissed?
"Catarina?" Sophia asked.
Oh! She'd been lost in daydreams. Catarina cleared her throat. She'd read this scene so many times, she had the Count's speech memorized, and she was sure Sophia did as well.
She quoted, "My dearest, great forces oppose us, but I can only hope this moment of solace provides a balm for your soul like you provide mine every time I am in your presence. I would give you the world if I could, and I can but hope you will give me the chance to do so."
Sophia turned around halfway through with a gasp, tears forming in her eyes and a wide smile on her face.
"The only world I would ask for is one where I can be by your side," Sophia replied.
Catarina mirrored Sophia's smile. "Then, a poem for the occasion," she continued.
"It's all I have to bring today—
This, and my heart beside—
This, and my heart, and all the fields—
And all the meadows wide—
Be Sure you count—should I forget
Some one the sum could tell—
This, and my heart, and all the Bees
Which in the Clover dwell."
Catarina only had time to close the book before Sophia threw herself at Catarina, hugging her and burying her face in Catarina's neck. Catarina could feel Sophia's hair tickling her jaw and blushed.
"Are you saying...what I think you're saying?" Sophia whispered.
"Uh-huh." Catarina felt stupefied by the lapful of Sophia she found herself with. Could she—? She hesitated then returned Sophia's hug, letting her hands rest on Sophia's delicate waist. "Do you feel the same?"
Sophia nodded. "But why did you change the poem?" she asked, settling herself more comfortably against Catarina.
"I wanted something that reflected me and this moment. The original one is a little..." Catarina trailed off.
Sophia giggled. "Yes, it is a little bloodthirsty. The devilish count never does anything by half measures."
"But the count sounds so impassioned as he details how he'll slay their enemies."
"He does. You were very impassioned yourself though."
Catarina's stomach gurgled. She'd been so busy all day, she'd forgotten to eat, and even with Sophia at her side, it was difficult to ignore the delectable spread of things the school cooks had put together.
"Are you hungry? The cooks have outdone themselves today. I can't wait to try everything." Catarina said.
Catarina reached for a plate of sandwiches to pull towards her, but Sophia stilled her hand. Catarina looked down at her in confusion.
"I would like to try something else first. May I?"
"Of course, anything." Catarina didn't know what Sophia was referring to, but her answer was the same regardless.
Sophia stretched up and raised one hand to cradle Catarina's head. She leaned in, and oh, Catarina knew what Sophia wanted. She leaned in the rest of the way, their lips meeting in an exquisite press.
When they parted, Sophia sighed, and Catarina couldn't resist. She captured Sophia's mouth again. Sophia straddled Catarina, pressing their bodies together, and her enthusiasm ignited Catarina's. They continued until Catarina's stomach made itself known again, and Sophia leaned back, breaking their kiss.
Sophia's face was flushed and she was breathing heavily, her hair ribbons slipping from their delicate bows, and Catarina wanted nothing more than to see Sophia like this every day. She unconsciously leaned forward, but Sophia stopped her with a hand on her chest.
"We should eat first," she said. "it'd be a shame for this food to go to waste."
Catarina closed her eyes and nodded. If she couldn't see Sophia, she couldn't be distracted by her. And she was hungry. When she opened her eyes again, Sophia had moved away so that only the hem of her dress touched Catarina. She held a finger sandwich out, and Catarina leaned forward to take a bite.
Yes, it tasted as good as it looked, even if it wasn't a dessert, and Catarina chose one of the sandwiches to feed to Sophia. They'd eat now, and there would be time for everything else after.